Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who since the 1980s championed federal legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of chemicals and the chemical industry, died on June 3. He was 89 and the oldest person serving in the Senate.

Hailing from a state with a robust chemical industry, Lautenberg advocated for preventing and preparing for chemical accidents.

In the wake of the disastrous 1986 leak of methyl isocyante from a Union Carbide . . .